"Balance, Gait, and Motion Analysis in Multiple Sclerosis"

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration. Impairments in balance and gait are among the most common manifestations of the disease and are associated with reduced mobility, increased risk of falls, decreased independence, and lower quality of life. Accurate assessment of these impairments is essential for clinical decision-making and the development of effective rehabilitation interventions. Clinical functional assessments are widely used to evaluate balance, gait, and physical performance in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. In parallel, advances in motion analysis technology have enabled the objective quantification of movement characteristics through kinetic and kinematic measurements. Although both approaches are commonly used in clinical and research settings, the relationship between objective biomechanical parameters and functional clinical outcomes remains insufficiently understood. The purpose of this cross-sectional observational study is to investigate the associations between kinetic and kinematic measures of balance and gait obtained through three-dimensional motion analysis using the Vicon system and functional performance outcomes in people with Multiple Sclerosis. By examining these relationships, the study aims to identify biomechanical indicators that are most closely related to functional abilities and mobility limitations. Participants will undergo a comprehensive laboratory-based assessment including biomechanical analysis of balance and gait, standardized functional performance testing, patient-reported outcome measures related to fear of falling and fatigue, and assessment of lower-limb spasticity. Correlation analyses will be conducted to explore the relationships between biomechanical and functional measures. The findings of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the biomechanical determinants of functional performance in people with Multiple Sclerosis and support the selection of clinically meaningful assessment tools for rehabilitation practice and future research.